We are starting with a new Torah cycle and have paged back to Genesis. This year, my personal goal is to focus on uncovering the breadcrumbs in the Word that have been left for us to find our way back to Eden. Join me on this journey as we uncover one breadcrumb in each Torah portion.
Bereisheet begins by describing the creation of Eden, a paradise with a central tree / trees. This parallels the tree of life mentioned in Revelation, forming a complete framework. Each verse in between serves as a guide for our journey back to Eden, filled with impactful choices. It’s a flawless map, where the Author reveals His character and the boundaries and rules of His Kingdom. With gentle love, we are guided back home.
In this week’s Torah Portion, the first question asked is what caught my attention. In Genesis 3:9, our Creator asks Adam, “Where are you?” It’s not just a casual question about location. He didn’t ask for a location pin.
Our Creator’s character is multifaceted. He is a loving Father who asks a scared child a question. This child is hiding in shame because they have realized their mistake.
In these 3 words, there is a lot more. It captures a concern about unusual circumstances. Things are not as they should be. He is asking Adam a few questions, locked up in the 3 words. Why aren’t you here with Me? We should be walking together in the cool of the evening. Why aren’t you where you’re supposed to be, with Me, talking face to face?
Our Creator’s character of Grace is displayed. He is not accusing; He is not shaming. He is not asking the questions What did you do? Or why have you sinned?
Adam sinned by doing the one thing forbidden. We can all understand Adam’s perspective because we all sin and fall short of God’s glory. Our purpose is to work together to glorify God in His creation. To operate within the rules of His Kingdom.
Where are you? Would you answer with a location, or an apology?
Our answer to our Creator and Father should be Hineni, here I am, willing to do your will. Willing to turn back where I strayed and left the path. Willing to walk where You lead us, to go where you direct us.
Father , what would you have me do for you?
I recently read a news article that shed light on Genesis 3:9. The article was about a car accident where a mother knelt beside the wreckage of the car in which her child had tragically lost his life.
She was crying with emotion that filled the air : If I can only have one more conversation, one more hug, one more walk in the sunset. I have lost him and it will feel like forever until we are united again. She did not accuse with comments on bad or reckless driving. Just a yearning for a child lost. This is just a human picture that gives us a glimpse into the loving character of our Father.
Love is patient and kind. It is never envious or arrogant. It is never rude or self-centered. Love does not get annoyed or resentful. Love believes the best in all and has no limit to hope. Love never fails. Our Heavenly Father possesses these qualities, and He showed His love even when Adam sinned. He yearns to walk with Adam and witness Adam’s eyes reflecting His character as they converse face to face.
Have you read any books by Abraham Herschel? He’s my husband’s favorite author. He often treats me by reading passages from his books.
Herschel believes that man is both seeking God and being sought after by Him. Man looks for meaning because God is also searching for him. God asks, “Where are you?” to imply that there is a purpose for man. Are you aware that God is searching for you?
God’s question to Adam is His question to us.
Our search ends when we discover His search.
His search ends when we find ourselves in Him.
All to the glory of our Creator!
- Mattot : Faithful Words, Faithful Hearts July 7, 2026Parashat Mattot poses three timeless questions: Are our words trustworthy? Are we removing compromise from our lives? Are we committed to the wellbeing of Father’s people as much as our own family? The portion of Mattot begins with instructions about vows and oaths. In a world where words can be spoken lightly and […]
- Pinchas: Zeal that Brings Life June 28, 2026Parashat Pinchas opens in the wake of a somber chapter in Israel's history. The people had succumbed to idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor, inviting divine judgment upon the camp. Amidst this crisis, Pinchas demonstrated zealous devotion to the holiness of YHVH, and his actions averted Elohim's anger. Consequently, he was granted a "covenant […]
- Prophetic images of hope : Pictures of Messiah in Chukat June 23, 2026Parashat Chukat, Numbers 19:1-22:1, contains some of the most mysterious passages in the Torah : The accounts of the water from the Rock, the Red Heifer and the bronze Serpent beautifully bridge the Torah and the Good News, showing that even in the wilderness YHVH was already revealing His plan of redemption through Messiah […]
- Korach : The Subtle Seed of Rebellion June 14, 2026Parashat Korach (Numbers 16-18) is far more than the story of a man who challenged Moses. It is a warning about the subtle seed of rebellion that can grow in any heart. Korach was a Levite, chosen for a sacred calling, yet he became dissatisfied with the role YHVH had given him. Under […]
- From Fear to Faith: Learning from the Spies June 9, 2026Parashat Sh’lach (Numbers 13–15) tells the dramatic story of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. All twelve saw the same land flowing with milk and honey. All twelve carried the same giant cluster of grapes back to Israel. Yet only two, Joshua and Caleb, returned with faith. The other ten […]
- The Tongue: From Fire to Restoration May 31, 2026Last week, in Nosa (Numbers 4:21-7:89), we discussed the priestly blessing as a model of restoration, where people are lifted up and blessed. This week, in Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:16), we see a practical illustration of this in the lives of Moses and Miriam. James 3:5-10 paints a vivid and unsettling picture of the […]
- Heaven’s Voice, Echoed on Earth May 26, 2026Comparing the Priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 with the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, we find a beautiful symmetry in Scripture, like and echo reflecting back. One is spoken over the people, the other through the people, yet both flow from the same divine heart. The Priestly Blessing begins, “יהוה bless you and […]
- Ruth 4: The Redeemer at the Gate — A Messianic Reflection May 19, 2026Ruth 4 brings the story to the city gate—the place of decision, witness, and redemption. What has been unfolding in quiet fields now steps into the light. Boaz meets the nearer kinsman-redeemer before the elders. The right to redeem Naomi’s land is offered, but when the cost becomes clear—marrying Ruth and raising up […]
- Ruth 3: At the Threshing Floor May 19, 2026The chapter unfolds in the stillness of night, on a threshing floor where grain is separated and hearts are laid bare. What began in famine is now progressing toward redemption—but not without intention, courage, and trust. Naomi tells Ruth to approach Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, and make a bold request. Ruth humbly goes to […]
- Ruth 2 : Grace in the field May 19, 2026Like seeds hidden beneath the earth, the chapter artfully shifts the story from a feeling of emptiness to one of provision, a change that occurs with remarkable quietness. Ruth goes to the fields to collect what's left, fulfilling the role of the poor and the foreigner. It appears to be a fortunate coincidence […]
